Work Permits for South Africa
Obtaining a work permit as an expat in South Africa is something necessary for almost all occupations, although it can be a test of patience more than a coherent, consistent process. While it is feasible to organise documentation if already in the country, it is highly recommended that paperwork be arranged appropriately prior to arrival as many South African consulates in western countries tend to be more efficient than the country’s own Department of Home Affairs.
There are three main types of work permit available - a general work permit, a quota work permit, and an exceptional skills permit.
The main consideration in dealing with all three types is that a South African citizen must not be qualified to perform the task in question at the same capacity as the applicant.
The documentation required to prove this fact is a grey area that tends to fall to the personal discretion of the official involved in reviewing each individual application. In this way, patience, persistence and sugary sweet smiles are highly advised if you do not have the support of an employer/sponsor organising your permit for you.
Additionally, in some instances international concerns with branches/affiliated companies in the Republic may from time to time decide to transfer existing personnel from a foreign branch to a branch in the Republic. As these will be key employees, they must apply for Intra-company transfer work permits.
A general skills permit is granted to an individual applying for a specific position in a specific place of employment. The employer/sponsor offering the job must prove that no other South African citizen can fill the position in question – there is usually an amount of time required during which the position much be advertised with no suitable local candidate materialising. This is largely at the discretion of the employer and is thus less difficult to obtain.
This permit will need to be applied for anew if an expat wishes to change place of employment.
A quota work permit is granted to an individual who can prove that their profile fits onto a list of predetermined “scarce skills”. Not only does this list change annually, but it is also very specific, so it's a good idea to make sure you meet the criteria before applying for this type of permit.
Both qualifications and five years' experience in a certain field is required. For example, teachers are on the list, but only those giving Mathematics and Science.
Once granted, the individual can work at any company in any position relating to his or her field, but only has six months to find such employment.
An exceptional skills permit is granted to an individual who has a unique skills set in a particular discipline. This permit is not limited to a specific place of employment or a single position, but rather a general field. The difficulty in attaining this permit relates to the applicant proving that they are indeed in position of “exceptional” skills, and that the skill set in unique to the applicant and will not be possessed by any other local/South African citizen. In order to ensure that the Department of Home Affairs approves the application it is best to include as many supporting documents as possible attesting to your value.
There are three main types of work permit available - a general work permit, a quota work permit, and an exceptional skills permit.
The main consideration in dealing with all three types is that a South African citizen must not be qualified to perform the task in question at the same capacity as the applicant.
The documentation required to prove this fact is a grey area that tends to fall to the personal discretion of the official involved in reviewing each individual application. In this way, patience, persistence and sugary sweet smiles are highly advised if you do not have the support of an employer/sponsor organising your permit for you.
Additionally, in some instances international concerns with branches/affiliated companies in the Republic may from time to time decide to transfer existing personnel from a foreign branch to a branch in the Republic. As these will be key employees, they must apply for Intra-company transfer work permits.
General skills permit
A general skills permit is granted to an individual applying for a specific position in a specific place of employment. The employer/sponsor offering the job must prove that no other South African citizen can fill the position in question – there is usually an amount of time required during which the position much be advertised with no suitable local candidate materialising. This is largely at the discretion of the employer and is thus less difficult to obtain.
This permit will need to be applied for anew if an expat wishes to change place of employment.
Quota work permit
A quota work permit is granted to an individual who can prove that their profile fits onto a list of predetermined “scarce skills”. Not only does this list change annually, but it is also very specific, so it's a good idea to make sure you meet the criteria before applying for this type of permit.
Both qualifications and five years' experience in a certain field is required. For example, teachers are on the list, but only those giving Mathematics and Science.
Once granted, the individual can work at any company in any position relating to his or her field, but only has six months to find such employment.
Exceptional skills permit
An exceptional skills permit is granted to an individual who has a unique skills set in a particular discipline. This permit is not limited to a specific place of employment or a single position, but rather a general field. The difficulty in attaining this permit relates to the applicant proving that they are indeed in position of “exceptional” skills, and that the skill set in unique to the applicant and will not be possessed by any other local/South African citizen. In order to ensure that the Department of Home Affairs approves the application it is best to include as many supporting documents as possible attesting to your value.
Primary documents required (for any application)
- 2 x passport photographs.
- Passport valid for no less than 30 days after expiry of the intended visit.
- Medical report.
- Radiological report (Chest X-ray dated within 1 year of application proving the applicant does not have Tuberculosis).
- Full birth certificate.
- Police clearance certificates in respect of applicants 18 years and older, in respect of all countries where person resided one year or longer.
- Completed Application Form.
Supporting documents required
- Letter of motivation from the employer why a citizen/resident could not fill the position, accompanied by documentary proof of efforts made to obtain the services of a citizen or resident.
- Particulars of unsuccessful candidates.
- Proof of qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority.
- Proof of registration with professional body, board or council, if applicable.
- Proof of experience and skills in line with the job offer.
- Note: further documents might be required depending on the exact situation
